States Weekly: April 15, 2026

Big News: Haryana announces a 35 percent hike in minimum wages; Haryana announces enhanced operational flexibility among shops and establishments; Odisha approves a drinking water Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Policy; Haryana approves the Agniveer Policy, 2024; and more.

Health 

Karnataka announces that dental procedures will now be covered under state-supported health insurance schemes. The decision brings root canal treatment under the ambit of ‘Ayushman Bharat’ (Healthy India) and the ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya–Mukhya Mantri Arogya’ (Prime Minister's People's Health – Chief Minister's Health) Karnataka scheme.

Source: The Hans

In detail: Karnataka - Notification

Climate Change and Energy

Karnataka issues KERC (Procedure, Terms and Conditions for Grant of Transmission License and other Related Matters in respect of Intra-State Transmission Projects Selected through Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding) Regulations, 2026. The regulations issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) aim to clarify and improve the development of intra-state electricity transmission projects in Karnataka.

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: KERC (Procedure, Terms and Conditions for Grant of Transmission License and other Related Matters in respect of Intra-State Transmission Projects Selected through Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding) Regulations, 2026

Himachal Pradesh reinstates power subsidies for domestic consumers in the 125-300 units consumption bracket. The decision, affecting nearly 600,000 households across the state, will see consumers in this slab receive a subsidy of USD 0.021 (INR 1.72) per unit.

Source: Tribune

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week.

Industrial Policy and Business Regulations

Nothing critical to report this week.

Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations

Haryana announces a 35 percent hike in minimum wages. The increase, effective from April 1, 2026, applies across all industrial units.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Labour Department Notification

Haryana announces enhanced operational flexibility among shops and establishments. Under Section 28 of the Haryana Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, the government exempts eligible shops and commercial establishments from provisions relating to opening and closing hours (Section 9) and the mandatory weekly close day (Section 10).

Source: SCC

In detail: Haryana Labor Department Notification

Punjab permits homebuyers in non-compliant projects to register sale deeds and access electricity. This policy change, issued by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) aims to address hardships faced by homebuyers forsaken by developers flouting pollution norms.

Source: Devdiscourse

Infrastructure and Governance

Haryana approves an amendment to their Retirement Housing Policy. The updated policy includes an increase in the permissible Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for retirement housing colonies. Under the revised norms, the additional FAR through Transferable Development Rights (TDR) has been increased to up to 3.0, from the earlier limit of 2.25.

Source: Hindustan Times

Haryana approves an amendment to their Affordable Housing Policy, 2013. The new policy mandates one parking space for every unit. The cost of parking has been fixed at 10 percent of the apartment price. Parking slots must also be clearly marked to ensure transparency for buyers.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Notification

Haryana restructures the 33 percent reservation for women in the allocation of Fair Price Shop licenses. This will be implemented on a roster basis, ensuring that every third license is reserved for women.

Source: The Week

Himachal Pradesh reduces entry rates for vehicles entering the state from neighboring regions. Rates range from USD 1.18 (INR 100) for vehicles to USD 6.71 (INR 570) for large trucks.

Source: Prop News Time

In detail: Himachal Pradesh Vehicle Tax Amendment

Water and Sanitation

Odisha approves an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Policy. The policy aims to strengthen rural drinking water supply. The new O&M policy will set out a framework for uninterrupted water supply, adherence to drinking water quality standards, and a new systematic maintenance of assets.

Source: Business Standard

Center – State Relations

The Union government announces a revised "as is, where is" based policy to simplify the permission process for registration of properties and construction activities in unauthorized colonies of Delhi. The revised policy ends the requirement of a layout plan for registration of already constructed buildings in 1,511 out of the total 1,731 unauthorized residential neighborhoods in Delhi.

Source: Business Standard

In detail: Press release

Any Other

Haryana approves the Agniveer Policy, 2024.  The policy applies to short-term soldiers (‘Agniveers’) recruited under the ‘Agnipath’ (Fire Path) Scheme. The existing 10 percent reservation for ex-Agniveers has been increased to 20 percent in services under the Haryana government, including the Forest Guard (Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department), Warden (Prison Department) and Mining Guard (Department of Mines and Geology).

Source: Babushahi

In detail: Press release

Maharashtra mandates Marathi language knowledge for all rickshaw and taxi drivers in the state. Drivers will need to demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak Marathi as part of this new rule.

Source: The News mill 

Telangana passes the Telangana Employees Accountability and Monitoring of Parental Support Bill, 2026. The legislation mandates that both government and private sector employees financially support their dependent parents. If neglect is proven, authorities can deduct up to 15 percent of the employee’s salary or $107.33 (INR 10,000) (whichever is lower) and credit it directly to the parent’s bank account.

Source: The Logical Indian

In detail: Telangana Employees Accountability and Monitoring of Parental Support Bill, 2026